Best NBA, College, and High School Basketball Players by Age (14-40)

ESPN’s detailed analysis highlights the best basketball players from age 14 to 40. While stars like LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Cooper Flagg were clear choices, other decisions were far more challenging, such as selecting between Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. The ranking, compiled by Tim Bontemps, Jonathan Givony, and Paul Biancardi, showcases the immense talent across all ages.

Age 40

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Still an elite talent with exceptional stats.

Runner-up: None.

Age 39

Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs

Veteran mentor on a competitive young team.

Runner-up: Taj Gibson.

Age 38

Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Longevity and consistent impact on winning teams.

Runner-up: Kyle Lowry.

Age 37

Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stabilizing influence despite showing signs of age.

Runner-up: Joe Ingles.

Age 36

Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

Dominates both offensively and defensively.

Runner-up: Stephen Curry.

Age 35

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

Exceptional playoff success with Miami.

Runner-up: James Harden.

Age 34

Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks

Offensive leader and recent NBA Cup winner.

Runner-up: Paul George.

Age 33

Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

Clutch playoff performer.

Runner-up: CJ McCollum.

Age 32

Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Excellent season and explosive scorer.

Runner-up: Rudy Gobert.

Age 31

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Defensive and offensive powerhouse with accolades.

Runner-up: Norman Powell.

Age 30

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Physical dominance and NBA Cup winner.

Runner-up: Joel Embiid.

Age 29

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

MVP and historic player in the making.

Runner-up: Karl-Anthony Towns.

Age 28

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

The engine of New York’s offense.

Runner-up: Donovan Mitchell.

Age 27

Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Defensive versatility and leadership.

Runner-up: De’Aaron Fox.

Age 26

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Dominant and complete scorer.

Runner-up: Jayson Tatum.

Age 25

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

A driving force for the Mavericks.

Runner-up: Ja Morant.

Age 24

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

On the rise after recovering from injury.

Runner-up: Tyrese Maxey.

Age 23

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Explosive talent and playoff leader.

Runner-up: Evan Mobley.

Age 22

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Leading Orlando’s resurgence.

Runner-up: Chet Holmgren.

Age 21

Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Elite defender making a breakthrough.

Runner-up: Amen Thompson.

Age 20

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Unique and transformative prospect.

Runner-up: Dereck Lively II.

Age 19

VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Emerging versatile talent.

Runner-up: Reed Sheppard.

Age 18

Cooper Flagg, Duke

The most anticipated prospect of his generation.

Runner-up: Dylan Harper.

Age 17

Cameron Boozer, Christopher Columbus High School

Offensive and defensive dynamism.

Runner-up: AJ Dybantsa.

Age 16

Babatunde Oladotun, James Hubert Blake High School

Versatile scorer with impressive mechanics.

Runner-up: Jason Crowe.

Age 15

CJ Rosser, Northern Nash High School

Developing instincts and versatility.

Runner-up: Marcus Spears Jr.

Age 14

JJ Crawford, Seattle, Washington

Promising talent with refined skills.

Runner-up: Josh Sanders.

Source: ESPN